FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Despite a Ryan Herbert goal just nine seconds into the match, the Methodist men's soccer team bested the fellow USA South member, Piedmont, 4-1, on Saturday afternoon at the Monarch Soccerplex.
 
Immediately after kickoff, Piedmont's Herbert found the back of the net from 35 yards out, putting the Lions (5-4) at a very early 1-0 lead at the 00:09 mark. Herbert's goal marks the fastest goal in Piedmont history.
 
The Monarchs (6-1-1) did not let the early goal put out their fire. Shortly after, at the 7:00 mark, Sean MacDonald headed a Chris Ryan corner kick into the top right corner, bringing the score to a tie at 1-1.
 
The Green and Gold found the back of the net once again at the 34:59 mark, off yet another set piece as Trevor Hendricks headed a pass to Eirik Nordseth, who found the back of the net in the bottom left corner, putting MU at a 2-1 advantage.  
 
To start the second half scoring for Methodist, David Korneliusson notched an unassisted goal at the 61:33 mark, giving the Monarchs a 3-1 lead.
 
Methodist used corner kicks to their advantage the whole match, as MacDonald tacked on another header after a Ryan pass to the middle from the corner.
 
Methodist's rookie goalkeeper, Alex Rabone, will add another win to his resume, improving to 6-1-1 on the season after making five saves on the day. Piedmont's Kenneth Hearn will walk away with the loss, dropping to 5-4 on the season, making six saves.
 
The Monarchs will travel to Rocky Mount, N.C. to take on the Battling Bishops of N.C. Wesleyan. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday.